How could one sum up the diversity that is Europe – a melting pot of cultures? But also, it boasts a huge variety of spectacular landscapes, as well as so much ancient history.
According to my DNA testing through 23andme, I am over 99% European which includes 4% Scandanavian, which was a surprise. When I was 23 and living in the UK, I went on a 9 week camping trip around Europe and later in the year, a 2 week one around Scandanavia. That was a long time ago but I still have vivid memories. Since then I’ve been back to the UK many times (my daughter and twin sister live there) and have had some wonderful experiences. I’ve also visited Norway (in the summer and a winter cruise – see my post on The Northern Lights), Iceland and Malta. Join me on my adventures in future posts. Here are some photos to whet your appetites.
England
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Puffins on Farne islands, Northumberland
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Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
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Cows sussing us out on a walk in the Peak District
Ireland
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Twins discovering their roots in Belfast , Northern Ireland
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Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland
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The ‘wishing chair’ – maybe?, Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
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Tower, Northern Ireland
Wales
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Stunning beaches in Pembrokeshire
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/010-Waiting-to-see-puffins-1024x683.jpg)
Waiting to go out to see puffins at Skomer islands
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Picturesque villages everywhere
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Wonderful walks along the cliffs near St. David’s
Norway – summer
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Our chalet on the Lyse Fjord
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Pulpit Rock – we made it to the top!
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Pulpit Rock – 602 metres high!
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/016-1.jpg)
Spectacular fjords
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/017.jpg)
A cruise up Lyse Fjord
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/017a.jpg)
Nice fat sheep!
Iceland
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/018-1024x768.jpg)
The start of the climb up to “Hattur”, The Hat
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In the valley of Thorsmork
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Wild Icelandic horses
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/021-1024x768.jpg)
Kaftkla Waterfall
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/022-1024x768.jpg)
The Blue Lagoon – hot springs
Norway – winter cruise
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/023-1024x683.jpg)
Our Hurtigruten cruise ship, the Nordlys (Northern Lights)
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/024-e1539600047302-1024x144.jpg)
Breathtaking scenery heading north up the Norwegian west coast
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/025-Snow-Hotel-1024x768.jpg)
Snow Hotel, Kirkenes, at the northern most tip of Norway
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/026-1-1024x167.jpg)
Colourful town contrasting with the pristine white landscape
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Husky sledge ride, Kirkenes
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/028-1024x212.jpg)
Torghatten mountain
Malta
![](https://footeloosefancyfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/040-1-671x1024.jpg)
Xewkija Church, Goza island
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Ta’ Pinu Basilica in Garb
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Dome of Carmelite Church, in the medieval Medina
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Valetta, on the mainland of Malta, with it’s very steep and narrow streets